Says Frederick Halley

TORONTO, Canada — When president of the Ontario Masters Softball Cricket Clubs (OMSCC) Jai Singh disclosed at his organisation’s annual presentation dinner and dance last October that plans were afoot to stage a Mini World Cup softball tournament during the Labour Day weekend in 2015, there was a roar of approval from those present at the auspicious occasion.
Almost one year after, those plans became a reality and on a glorious holiday weekend, blessed with continual sunshine, not a mini World Cup but the inaugural Toronto Cup 1 became a reality.
It was a dream fulfilled and despite a few minor hiccups the OMSCC can take a pat on the back for a well-executed tournament where many felt that the best two teams on show, New York Enforcers and Our Own Sports Club, were rightfully crowned the Open and Masters Champions respectively.
Like in any organisation there were a few flaws in the logistical arrangements but these were considered negligible and judging from the views of the participating teams, especially those from Guyana and New York, they were quite satisfied that the tournament was a phenomenal success.
New York Enforcers’ Khemraj Subkaran described the tournament as “one of the better tournaments we have played over the years. May the spirit and intent demonstrated over the three days prevail as the organisers assemble to move to the next phase. These tournaments have a greater purpose for each individual team. Enforcers, as a team, are glad we were a participating team and more importantly, promoted a championship cause. Enforcers, thank you all, for your outstanding support all weekend.”
Another New Yorker who expressed delight in the tournament’s success was Sureain Sawh and in a Facebook post had this to say: “On behalf of New York Enforcers members, I would like to say a very big thank you to the Ontario Masters for a successful and wonderful, organised tournament.
It was truly on a level above the rest. The umpiring, hospitality, spectators, the incredible people of Canada that contributed to our food drive and the league officials, we are truly grateful for everything. We are looking forward for the 2016 Toronto Cup 2.”
Guyana Floodlights Softball Cricket Association (GFCSA) vice-president and captain Rickey Deonarine also echoed similar sentiments by the New Yorkers, showering praise on the OMSCC which itself had gotten great advice and support from the GFSCA.
On the verge of staging its fifth annual Guyana Softball Cup from October 30 – November 1, the GFSCA’s advice and support were critical and its executives were always willing to lend a helping hand to the OMSCC whenever necessary.
The OMSCC had set a target of eight teams each, in the Open and Masters categories, but fell short in the former which saw six top teams contesting. New York Enforcers emerged as the only unbeaten team, winning their preliminary encounters against Caribbean Sensation, Dant and their counterparts New York All Stars whom they also defeated in the semi-finals when the latter conceded the game after seemingly in no position to win.
The much-anticipated final between New York Enforcers and Dant fizzled out into an anti-climax with the visitors making light work of the Canada-based team, much to the chagrin and disappointment of their many supporters at the picturesque University of Toronto ground.
It was surely a bitter pill for Dant to swallow following their exploits in a flawless 2014 season when they swept all before them in the Ontario Softball Cricket League (OSCL) competitions. The writing was probably on the wall as their outstanding performance in their debut season was already under scrutiny following defeats in both the 10/10 and 15/15 tournaments.
Our Own Sports Club, however, ensured that one of the championship titles stayed in Toronto, eking out a hard-fought five-wicket victory over a feisty GFCSA X1, led by the experienced Deonarine.
The maturity of former Guyana Under-19 player Troy Gobin and former Canadian national Desmond Chumney proved vital while the astute leadership of Mahendranauth ‘Bobby’ Parasnauth, who also played a pivotal role in the organising committee, was aptly on display.
GFSCA should be commended for reaching the final and showing great resilience in their defence of what was clearly an insufficient 128 for eight in their allotted 20 overs.
Another significant part of the tournament was the Food Drive initiated by the New York Enforcers and according to Subkaran “success is easier to achieve as a group than as an individual. Enforcers and the host OMSCC promoted the food drive and overwhelming support poured into the collective effort last Sunday. We are learning as we go, we adopt these lessons as well as showcase gratitude for all the people who have made this previous weekend a success. Hands down, Canadians have a special quality the world lack and we can all adopt that trait. With care, Enforcers!”
The sponsors also played a gigantic role in the tournament’s success with Trophy Stall of Guyana, through its proprietor Ramesh Sunich, being instrumental in providing all the trophies and medals at the presentation ceremony.
Among the others on board were Laparkan Trading, Charley’s West Indian Foods, Roop Auto Body, Rajin West Indian Roti Shop, Boodhoo Construction, Top’s Automotive Supply, Feroze Yakub – Demand Maintenance, Our Own Auto Repairs, Ken Jewellery, Shine Party Rentals, Windies Restaurant, Berbice Window, Persaud Dry Wall and Taping, L.A Auto Body Collision, Norman Sue Bakery, Caribbean Sensation Cricket Club, Azeem Karamat First Realty, Air Touch Travel, Nirad Lall, Scotiabank, Tropical Nights Restaurant and Lounge, Clifton Yacoob – Cads Window Fashions, Kawall Narine – Jemtexusa Sports. Jeff Mirza Danplas Pipe Systems and Robert Lall among
The OMSCC organising committee, capably led by the indefatigable Azeem Karamat Khan, can deservedly take a bow for its sterling effort in the staging of Toronto Cup 1. Onwards to Toronto Cup 2!